Polish county launches legal action to be “free from LGBT ideology” again.
A local authority in Poland has launched a legal action to make itself “free from LGBT ideology” again, after a resolution to that effect was invalided earlier this year by a court, which found the measure to be discriminatory. “We do not want a minority telling us how to live,” says the head of the […]
This Florida Student is Taking Queer Education Into Their Own Hands.
High school GSA presidents continue to carry the entire LGBTQ+ community on their backs, as one high school student demonstrated in a viral video from this past weekend. On Sunday, 17-year-old Will Larkins posted a short clip of themself educating their fourth period U.S. history class on the history of the Stonewall riots. This might […]
Cyprus push to ban gay conversion therapy amid exorcism claim.
Cypriot lawmakers and activists are pushing to criminalise “gay conversion therapy” which has left members of the island’s LGBTQ+ community traumatised through “medieval” practices such as exorcisms. A recent report by the activist group Accept-LGBTI Cyprus surveyed around 100 people and revealed the scope of widely discredited practices that claim to be able to change […]
LGBTQ+ conference cancelled over conversion practices furore.
The government’s flagship LGBTQ+ conference has been cancelled after falling into disarray, with more organisations pulling out and a key government adviser quitting after accusing ministers of waging a “woke war”. Iain Anderson, the government’s LGBTQ+ business adviser, said he was “completely shocked” by the decision last week not to press ahead with outlawing practices […]
Escudero plans to build shelters for homeless LGBT nationwide.
A senatorial aspirant on Monday said he aims to build shelters for homeless members of the LGBT — lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender — community nationwide as a means of providing equal privileges to the sector. “If we are committed to giving equal opportunities for all, every public servant should look after the welfare of […]
Lebanese LGBT community fights to keep safe spaces.
On a sofa in a dimly lit bar, two young women finish their beers while they caress each other’s hands. Oblivious to the music, to the people who enter and leave, they look at each other as if they were the only inhabitants of the city. But as they cross the threshold, they undo their […]
Many Hungarians spoil ballots to invalidate referendum on LGBTQ content in society.
After weeks of talk about a tight electoral race in Hungary’s general election, voters delivered a two-thirds parliamentary majority to incumbent Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party on Sunday. But a separate referendum held on LGBTQ and transgender issues was declared invalid after a campaign by groups to spoil ballots. Orbán’s government said the referendum […]
Groups pull out of landmark LGBT conference over conversion therapy ban change.
At least one hundred organisations have pulled out of a landmark LGBT Government conference planned for this year following the “unacceptable” exclusion of transgender people from plans to ban conversion therapy. More than 80 LGBT+ groups have withdrawn their support from the global, UK-hosted conference, saying they will only participate if the Prime Minister reverts […]
Agreement signed to prevent violence against transgender
Expressing concerns over the increasing number and severity of reports of individual cases of humiliation of and violence against the transgender community, War Against Rape (WAR) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the transgender organisation Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA) to reduce and prevent such cases. The MoU will help build mutually beneficial synergies to […]
‘It’s a living nightmare’ – LGBT Afghans on life after the Taliban takeover
The panic-fuelled chaos that came to define last August’s invasion of Afghanistan may have subsided, but for the LGBT+ people still trapped and facing displacement, the trauma will remain forever ingrained in a psyche already scarred by war. It’s been nearly seven months since the Taliban’s violent takeover of Kabul, but still its effects continue to be felt. […]
‘Shame and betrayal’: giving light to rural NSW’s dark LGBTQ+ chapter
When the Sydney-based designer Josie Young undertook an online search for the queer history of her rural hometown, she stumbled onto the team researching a podcast about the world’s only gay prison, situated at the heart of Cooma in the New South Wales Snowy Monaro region. “I sent them a quick note to say I was […]
NEW STUDY TO LOOK AT COVID IMPACT ON LGBT COMMUNITY LIFE IN NSW
A new study from the University of Sydney will look at the impact of COVID on LGBTQI community life in NSW, including Oxford Street. The research project is being coordinated by the Sydney Policy Lab and will look at the implications of COVID-forced closings as well as new venues that opened during the height of […]
How Liverpool became the first UK city to recognise its ‘gay quarter’
Liverpool’s ‘Gay Quarter’ is a prime destination for not only the LGBTQ+ community but for tourists from all over the world and it’s easy to see why. Week in and week out, thousands of people from all over Liverpool and beyond descend on the streets and back alleys in and around Stanley Street in the […]
Gays caught in the crossfire of Hungarian election
Among the political billboards and corflutes plastered on just about every lamppost and power pole along the bustling inner-city Budapest streets, one in particular catches the eye. An attractive woman in her mid-30s with brown hair and blue eyes, hugs a young girl of about three or four. The sign, authorised by the government, simply […]
‘We Want To Live a Happy Life’: LGBTQ People Are Leaving Hungary
Boldizsar Nagy is packing his bags and leaving Hungary. He and his boyfriend have had enough of Hungary’s attitude towards their relationship. But with an election this weekend that includes a referendum on LGBTQ rights in Hungary, things could be about to get much worse. Over several years, Nagy, a writer, and his lawyer boyfriend […]
Congress Splits Over How to Address LGBT Rights in China
A major annual congressional report documenting human rights abuses in China was delayed for six months after a behind-the-scenes impasse between Democratic and Republican lawmakers over a section on LGBTQ rights, according to congressional aides and a U.S. official familiar with the matter. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) issued its annual report for 2021 […]
Human Rights Campaign strips Fox News of preferred LGBTQ employer status: ‘Enough is enough’
The largest LGBTQ advocacy group in the US has stripped Fox Corporation of its status as a preferred LGBTQ friendly employer and released a blistering statement condemning the network for its recent coverage of the LGBTQ community. The move comes as Fox News relentlessly attacks Disney for the company’s belated opposition to the “Don’t Say […]
Iranti helps transgender persons to amend their ID book gender markers
In South Africa no express law exists for Transgender and non-gender-conforming persons to amend their gender markers, except for Act 49. This act allows transgender persons who have begun their medical transition, intersex persons and gender non-conforming persons, to change the sex descriptor in their identity documents, to reflect their gender identity. This law is […]
Cubans split over more liberal family code as referendum nears
Cuba’s communist government is seeking to rally support for a new family code that would open the door to gay marriage and boost women’s rights, but experts and a recent survey suggest an upcoming referendum vote may not provide a rubber stamp. Tepid support for the reforms, which clash with the island’s entrenched “machista” culture, […]
Conversion therapy: Ban to go ahead but not cover trans people
The government now says it will ban so-called conversion therapy for gay or bisexual people in England and Wales – but not for transgender people. It comes hours after it had said it would drop plans for the ban entirely. The announcement on Thursday evening that ministers would explore non-legislative routes to stop the practice […]
Qatari official says rainbow flags may be confiscated to “protect” World Cup fans
Fans at the World Cup in Qatar may have rainbow flags confiscated by security in order to “protect” them against perceptions they are “insulting” the society, a senior official has claimed. Last month, England captain Harry Kane made it clear that Gareth Southgate’s squad will seek to raise awareness of those human rights issues. Kane […]
One in three LGBT+ Brits abused by their family, disturbing report finds
One in three LGBT+ people in Britain have been abused by their relatives, a study by Galop has found. The LGBT+ anti-abuse charity found that of the 5,000 people surveyed, nearly one-third (29 percent) had experienced abuse by a relative, most often their own parents. Galop reported that the abuse ranged from verbal harassment to […]
Ukrainian LGBTQ Artist Who Can’t Leave Kyiv Is Painting For Peace.
Dark thoughts haunt LGBTQ people in Ukraine. A relentless Russian invasion continues, despite peace talks beginning. If they win, a Russian occupation terrifies LGBTQ Ukrainians. In Russia, the ideological pursuit of “traditional values” dominates everything. It means anti-gay law, and persecution thanks to propaganda. If this pursuit comes to Ukraine, it will un-do years of […]
How Florida teachers plan to deal with ‘Don’t Say Gay’ rules.
Florida’s governor has signed what critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Teachers share how they plan to comply and how it will affect classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity. Florida teachers are trying to figure out how the Parental Rights and Education Act, which opponents call the don’t say gay bill, will […]
Ugandan activists launch campaign against religion-fueled homophobia.
Human rights activists in Uganda have launched a new campaign to end religious inspired homophobia, with a call to Abrahamic religions to embrace love and diversity. The ongoing campaign can be found using the hashtag #SayNoToReligiousHomophobia on social media. “We’re all God’s children,” says Vincent Kyabayinze, executive director of East African Visual Artists (EAVA), explaining […]
Meet the gay Ukrainian men willing to go to war for their country.
In the weeks following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the devastation of war has descended upon the country. As is typical in warfare, minorities have borne the brunt of the suffering. Specifically, those identifying as part of the LGBTQ community have faced tremendous hardships, including death, in the face of Vladimir Putin’s campaign of terror. […]
Hungary rights groups urge invalid votes to defeat Orban’s LGBTQ referendum.
Hungarian human rights groups are urging voters to spoil their ballots to defeat a government referendum on LGBTQ issues taking place alongside a national election on Sunday, saying its approval would strengthen prejudice against the LGBTQ community. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a nationalist facing a tough battle to be re-elected for a fourth consecutive term, […]
LGBTI community in Seychelles starts media campaign for greater tolerance and acceptance.
The organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) in Seychelles has launched a campaign to promote respect, equal treatment and acceptance. Called ‘Viv, Lanmour, Respe’ – Creole for live, love, respect – the campaign was launched on March 25 as a series of public service announcements that are being aired on television channels […]
A rally to honor dead Black transgender women turns into chaotic scene.
A rally to draw attention to the deaths of two Black transgender Chicago women turned into a chaotic shouting match when another small group of anti-violence advocates crashed the event at Federal Plaza on Monday evening. As transgender activist Zahara Bassett was pleading for justice for the two women, several members of Ex-Cons for Community […]
LGBTQ Reggaeton, Hitting Macho Music Scene With Beats And Politics
RÍO PIEDRAS — It’s midnight at the Casa Cultural Ruth Hernández Torres, a historic house that serves as a cultural and community center. Blue and pink lights flash as Ana Macho takes to the dance floor. Sporting pink sunglasses and athletic attire, surrounded by dozens of fans swaying to the Caribbean rhythms, the artist sings […]